How to build your own barbecue bar

GETTING READY

Pouring the footing, building the block walls, and covering them with faux stone are all within the capabilities of a handy and strong homeowner. Applying the faux stones is not difficult, but it will take some practice to learn how to fill and tool the joints. Installing the granite top is definitely best left to granite specialists.

Before you begin work, buy the grill and the doors and make sure everything will fit. When figuring the openings for the cooking units, don’t forget to take into account the thickness of the countertop. Have the units on site when you build so you can periodically check their fit.

Plan the placement of all the blocks. Unless you have a prescribed space into which the unit must fit, you should be able to plan the installation to minimize the cutting of blocks. Consult the granite company when you plan the building of the walls to make sure that the cooking units will fit after the granite is installed.

Materials list:

• Grill
• Outdoor cabinet doors
• Electrical supplies: conduit, wire, and GFCI receptacles
• Concrete for the footing
• Concrete block
• Steel reinforcing bar
• Mortar mix
• 3" x 5" angle irons
• Faux stone for facing
• Mortar for filling the stone joints
• Granite slab for the countertop
• Silicone caulk
• Propane tank

Next: Step-by-step instructions